The Ruff Report: Dogs, Safety and Behavior

Saturday

Dec 29, 2012 at 5:15 AM

Try these New Year's resolutions for your pet

Your pet might like fancy toys, enjoy tasty treats and get excited when gobbling down a special mouth-watering meal, but those who give their dogs and cats gifts and food to celebrate the New Year should reconsider their approach.

Leading animal welfare organizations say that as much as your pet might appreciate toys and treats, those gifts pale in comparison to the most cherished thing in the life of a dog or cat, and that thing is your time and attention.

A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

Story continues hereSo the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Kennel Club are urging owners to adopt this simple New Year's resolution: Spend more time and do more activities with your pet."Eighty-one percent of dog owners buy gifts for their dogs," AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson states in a media release. "But what you should really be giving them is consistent exercise, training and stimulation. Try to start the year off right by resolving to do more with your dog."

Dogs who spend more time with their owners are usually happier and better behaved, according to animal experts.The AKC offers these suggestions:Train your dog for competitive events. Every weekend throughout the United States dog events are taking place where pets can earn ribbons, titles and trophies. Competitive events help ensure that your dog is well-behaved, even tempered, physically fit and a joy to live with. And owners get to meet new people with a similar love for dogs.Put your dog into service. Dogs love helping others. They are invaluable in providing service to humans - visiting the sick, helping the disabled and locating missing persons. If a dog has the correct temperament, there are many ways dog owners can put their special skills to use in service to their community. Contact the volunteer director at your local hospital to find out how you and your dog can qualify to volunteer or visit a home-bound neighbor.Let your dog help teach children to read. There is no better listener than a dog. Many libraries have programs for children to practice their reading skills and gain confidence by reading with dogs. Contact your local library to learn about available reading programs or volunteer to start one with your dog.Travel with your dog. Planning vacations and getaways that include your dog will save you boarding fees and will keep your pet from getting lonely while you are having fun in the sun. More hotels are becoming dog friendly.Get fit with your dog. The National Academy of Sciences reports that one of every four dogs and cats in the Western World is overweight. Daily walks are a great way for dogs and owners to avoid gaining extra holiday pounds. According to a recent study, dog owners get more exercise walking their pet than someone with a gym membership.The ASPCA offers these suggestions for New Year's resolutions:

Visit your veterinarian. If it has been a year or more since your pet has seen a veterinarian, make an appointment now. This will give your veterinarian the chance to notice any developing illnesses and attend to them right away.Pledge to check your pet's teeth and gums at least once a week. Your cat or dog may need dental care if it has morning breath all day. Ask your vet to show you how you can prevent dental disease by brushing regularly.Start an exercise and nutrition program. Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day such as jogging, swimming and playing at a dog park. Cats can get fit with rousing play sessions of chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice. Vow to lay off table scraps and consider switching to a well-balanced, high-quality pet food.More reports about dogs, behavior and safety Dogs always mouth off before they bite Dogs feel no guilt about misbehaving The secret to getting your dog to behaveA fun place for dogs where fighting often eruptsHey dummy, your dog's smarter than you think Tips to help you pet cope during fireworks seasonReports about dogs and safetyLiving room item cause most pet injuriesIn emergency, your pet's survival depends on youNo ID means death for 800,000 pets a yearProtect your pet from theft and torturePets capable of swallowing strange objectsWays to keep pets safe in storms, disastersMore reports about dogs and safetyReports about dogs, poison and safety Grapes, mushrooms, pot are leading pet poisonsPosions found in pet collars, bowls, beds and toys Common household item causes most pet poisonsPet poisons bloom everywhere This information about poisoning can save your pet's life

Reports about dogs, food and safetyToxic levels of chemical found in dog foods Chocolate, candies mean danger for dogsBegin a regular grooming regimen. This will make your pet feel proud, pampered and healthy.Make sure your pet has up-to-date identification. Outfit your cat or dog - even indoor-only pets - with an identification tag. Implanted microchips are also a smart option.HOME

Your pet might like fancy toys, enjoy tasty treats and get excited when gobbling down a special mouth-watering meal, but those who give their dogs and cats gifts and food to celebrate the New Year should reconsider their approach.

Leading animal welfare organizations say that as much as your pet might appreciate toys and treats, those gifts pale in comparison to the most cherished thing in the life of a dog or cat, and that thing is your time and attention.

A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

Story continues hereSo the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Kennel Club are urging owners to adopt this simple New Year's resolution: Spend more time and do more activities with your pet."Eighty-one percent of dog owners buy gifts for their dogs," AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson states in a media release. "But what you should really be giving them is consistent exercise, training and stimulation. Try to start the year off right by resolving to do more with your dog."

Dogs who spend more time with their owners are usually happier and better behaved, according to animal experts.The AKC offers these suggestions:Train your dog for competitive events. Every weekend throughout the United States dog events are taking place where pets can earn ribbons, titles and trophies. Competitive events help ensure that your dog is well-behaved, even tempered, physically fit and a joy to live with. And owners get to meet new people with a similar love for dogs.Put your dog into service. Dogs love helping others. They are invaluable in providing service to humans - visiting the sick, helping the disabled and locating missing persons. If a dog has the correct temperament, there are many ways dog owners can put their special skills to use in service to their community. Contact the volunteer director at your local hospital to find out how you and your dog can qualify to volunteer or visit a home-bound neighbor.Let your dog help teach children to read. There is no better listener than a dog. Many libraries have programs for children to practice their reading skills and gain confidence by reading with dogs. Contact your local library to learn about available reading programs or volunteer to start one with your dog.Travel with your dog. Planning vacations and getaways that include your dog will save you boarding fees and will keep your pet from getting lonely while you are having fun in the sun. More hotels are becoming dog friendly.Get fit with your dog. The National Academy of Sciences reports that one of every four dogs and cats in the Western World is overweight. Daily walks are a great way for dogs and owners to avoid gaining extra holiday pounds. According to a recent study, dog owners get more exercise walking their pet than someone with a gym membership.The ASPCA offers these suggestions for New Year's resolutions:

Visit your veterinarian. If it has been a year or more since your pet has seen a veterinarian, make an appointment now. This will give your veterinarian the chance to notice any developing illnesses and attend to them right away.Pledge to check your pet's teeth and gums at least once a week. Your cat or dog may need dental care if it has morning breath all day. Ask your vet to show you how you can prevent dental disease by brushing regularly.Start an exercise and nutrition program. Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day such as jogging, swimming and playing at a dog park. Cats can get fit with rousing play sessions of chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice. Vow to lay off table scraps and consider switching to a well-balanced, high-quality pet food.More reports about dogs, behavior and safety Dogs always mouth off before they bite Dogs feel no guilt about misbehaving The secret to getting your dog to behaveA fun place for dogs where fighting often eruptsHey dummy, your dog's smarter than you think Tips to help you pet cope during fireworks seasonReports about dogs and safetyLiving room item cause most pet injuriesIn emergency, your pet's survival depends on youNo ID means death for 800,000 pets a yearProtect your pet from theft and torturePets capable of swallowing strange objectsWays to keep pets safe in storms, disastersMore reports about dogs and safetyReports about dogs, poison and safety Grapes, mushrooms, pot are leading pet poisonsPosions found in pet collars, bowls, beds and toys Common household item causes most pet poisonsPet poisons bloom everywhere This information about poisoning can save your pet's life

Reports about dogs, food and safetyToxic levels of chemical found in dog foods Chocolate, candies mean danger for dogsBegin a regular grooming regimen. This will make your pet feel proud, pampered and healthy.Make sure your pet has up-to-date identification. Outfit your cat or dog - even indoor-only pets - with an identification tag. Implanted microchips are also a smart option.HOME